The 10 Best Cliffs to Jump Off Around the World
Photo by: Nick Anderson
Nicknamed “Tombstoning,”(you know, like death?) cliff diving is an adventure sport dating back to the dawn of civilization. Whether you’re throwing yourself into the abyss to get your adrenaline flowing or because it’s a rite of passage, this is hands-down the original rollercoaster—without all that pansy-ass safety gear. If you’re ready for some intense risk taking, check out OTP’s 10 Best Cliffs to Dive Off, guaranteed to make you crap your pants.
Photo by: Wisemancat
Most cliff diving locations are on ocean’s edge, but the best spots in Kimberley are inland. You’ll dive into lakes surrounded by gorges, waterfalls and mountain peaks. The most renowned jumping area is from one of the many cliffs overlooking the Ord River. The big mama of these teeters at 80 feet, but there are smaller ones for weak-in-the-knees divers as well.
Photo by: Valle Maggia Secrets
The Swiss love crazy death-defying shit. They have vacation packages made up for you and your entire family for just about anything that sounds like a one-way ticket to sure death—extreme skiing, bungee jumping, skydiving, white water rafting, you name it. It’s only natural that the most badass 80-feet cliff-diving opportunities would be in Brontallo, Switzerland. This little town has hosted several World High Diving Federation championships, despite the freezing water temperatures. Apparently, if you’ve got the balls to jump off a cliff, you’re not too worried about shrinkage.
Photo by: Jimbo N
Around here, cliff diving is to young people what dredlocks are to weed. It’s not a big deal for locals to jump thirty-ish feet off tree branches into shallow water, or for restaurants to advertise dine & dive specials. Plenty of tourists have been injured—those kids make it look so damn easy!—but with a little bit of precaution, this jump into crystal-clear blue waters makes it well worth the risk.
Photo by: makai.makai
Along with Easter Island, Hawaii is one of the original cliff diving locales. During the reign of the Hawaiian King Kahekili in the 1770s, cliff diving was a means for men to prove their courage and loyalty. We’re not about forcing teenage boys to jump to their graves, but taking the plunge where it all began is definitely damn cool. Enjoy the gorgeous views and warm waters and keep your eyes peeled for sharks and those pesky currents threatening to drag you to Japan.
Photo by: rachel lake
More than just a pretty sunset, there are plenty of places to tempt fate on the coast of Santorini Island. A great example is Kamari Beach, where there’s a 35-foot rock wall that offers an exhilarating jump into the ocean—with enough depth that makes it safe for beginners. Some other cliffs on the island can be found among the famed black sand beaches.
Photo by: jdmuth
This 70-foot drop, on a condor reserve, is off a rock base adjacent to a waterfall, pouring into ice-cold waters. Nothing like taking the plunge with thousands of gallons of water rushing by you on your way down! If you can stomach it to check out your surroundings as you drop, keep a lookout for condors, ugly pterodactyl-like birds that are among the largest flying creatures in the Western Hemisphere.
Photo by: phillapier
This one’s not for first-timers, by any means, and really only for the fearless. These 80-foot jumps have earned quite the reputation for being dangerous. They are terrifying not only for the extremely icy waters, but also for the ultra-narrow rock walls you’re sandwiched between on your rapid descent.
Photo by: prayitno
This cliff is one of the most dangerous diving spots in the world because it’s all about timing. If you’ve ever predicted when the DVD sign will hit the corner of the TV screen, you’re all set. Basically, if you don’t jump at exactly the right moment, the vicious waves below will splatter you all over the jagged shore. Take a look see at how professionals do it and vicariously feel the thrill.
Photo by: China Study Abroad
Since taking a free fall isn’t for everyone, this bungeed variety is well worth the mere $20 USD it costs. Less than 60 miles from Beijing, this 164-foot drop is surrounded by grassy mountains and clear-water sources. You don’t even need courage for this one—the instructors just push you off the cliff once you’re geared up and ready to go.
Photo by: Fodors
At 265 feet high, this is the highest bungee in all of the Americas. For adrenaline junkies who are seeking some convenience, grab one of the shuttles that leaves from San Jose. This drop into the jungle isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s one hell of a spectacular ride.
Honorable Mention:
Photo by: Claus Rebler
Wolfgang hasn’t seen anything until you expose him to your diving capabilities. Jump off his 100 ft cliff (with built in diving board) to show him who’s boss. Get the cliff crucials here.
They don’t call it Tombstoning to be sassy; plenty of people have met a nasty death. The trick is to avoid being all balls and no brains. Do your research and talk to the locals before taking the plunge, and then dive!
In search of the miraculous
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This is awesomeee!!! I climbed, camped, and dove off that mountain on the right of Kamari many times. Very cool article =]
Crazy people!! That is all I am going to say!
Bad Ass. I’m definitely going to put some of these on my list.
This is SO awesome. I love cliff diving and have a couple more suggestions:
-Cinque Terre, Italy
-Gross Reservoir, outside of Boulder, CO (it’s illegal there and I’ve been given a ticket, but it’s worth it)
I have been diving in Negril, Jamaica, and you are spot on with that recommendation! I hope to find some more of these spots and try them too.
Good suggestions. Another one I would suggest is Dubrovnik, Croatia. There’s a little ‘hole in the wall’ cafe. Where once through you can fling yourself off the edge into the deep blue.
There is a few good cliff jumps here in California. All the way up the finger of Lake Oroville to the falls. The cliff on the north side is probably easiest to climb up from the side. Depending on water level and were you dive from it could be 80 to 120 feet. Another is the lighthouse at Fort Barry just north of The Golden Gate. Depending on tide and wave height, 80 foot Avg. That one is a good one for high tide and a wave coming in. The other’s are bridges. Hacienda Bridge in Rio Nido on the Russian River. From the street it’s not that high. But if you climb to the top it’s a little more challenging. Don’t dive out far enough and your back at street level. Ouch. Dive out to far and it’s power lines. Watch out for cops it’s illegal. There is a bunch more but they are all bridges. Petaluma River bridge on Hwy 37, Some people call it Putah Creek bridge or Pope Creek bridge on Lake Berryessa.